In recruiting news, Zahir Mathis, one of the top high school prospects in the 2025 class who was previously committed to Ohio State but is now being heavily pursued by Penn State, has provided an update on his recruitment.
Mathis, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound defensive end from Imhotep Charter High School in Philadelphia, announced that he will not sign his letter of intent during the upcoming early signing period.
This decision is not unexpected. Mathis de-committed from Ohio State two weeks ago, and it was anticipated that he wouldn’t make a final decision before the early signing period, which begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. However, it still holds significance in his recruitment process.
PENN STATE’S INTEREST
Earlier this fall, Blue-White Illustrated’s Sean Fitz offered insight into Penn State’s pursuit of Mathis. Fitz reported that Mathis visited Penn State twice over the summer, including an official visit in July. While Mathis has not rushed to make a commitment, the trip provided more clarity, and it appears that while Ohio State is still trying to retain him, Penn State’s defensive line coach Deion Barnes has the Nittany Lions on equal footing with the Buckeyes. This recruitment is one to closely watch as the season progresses.
Barnes, having put together an impressive resume in just under two full seasons as Penn State’s defensive line coach, could be a major draw for Mathis.
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES…
Penn State recently lost four-star EDGE prospect Jayden Woods to Florida, sparking speculation about the reasons behind his flip, whether due to NIL, Florida’s plans for him, or a simple change of heart. However, it’s possible that Penn State already has another EDGE prospect, like Mathis, in the works.
Mathis is expected to continue his recruitment process into the late signing period, which begins on February 5, 2025.
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